Gray Ooze
- Size: Medium
- Type: Ooze
- Alignment: Unaligned
- AC: 9
- Initiative: -2 (13)
- HP: 22 (3d8 + 9)
- Speed: 10 ft, Climb 10 ft.
| ATTR | VAL | MOD | SAVE |
|---|---|---|---|
| STR | 12 | +1 | +1 |
| DEX | 6 | -2 | -2 |
| CON | 16 | +3 | +3 |
| INT | 1 | -5 | -5 |
| WIS | 6 | -2 | -2 |
| CHA | 2 | -4 | -4 |
- Skills: None
- Senses: Blindsight 60 ft.; Passive Perception 8
- Languages: None
- CR: 1/2 (XP 100; PB +2)
Traits
Amorphous. The ooze can move through a space as narrow as 1 inch without expending extra movement to do so.
Corrosive Form. Nonmagical ammunition is destroyed immediately after hitting the ooze and dealing any damage. Any nonmagical weapon takes a cumulative -1 penalty to attack rolls immediately after dealing damage to the ooze and coming into contact with it. The weapon is destroyed if the penalty reaches -5. The penalty can be removed by casting the Mending spell on the weapon.
The ooze can eat through 2-inch-thick, nonmagical metal or wood in 1 round.
Actions
Pseudopod. Melee Attack Roll: +3, reach 5 ft. Hit: 10 (2d8 + 1) Acid damage. Nonmagical armor worn by the target takes a -1 penalty to the AC it offers. The armor is destroyed if the penalty reduces its AC to 10. The penalty can be removed by casting the Mending spell on the armor.
Lore & Background
Gray oozes are among the most insidious and dangerous of all ooze creatures, appearing as seemingly harmless puddles of gray sludge that can easily be mistaken for dirty water or mud. These creatures are the result of magical experimentation gone wrong, alchemical accidents, or spontaneous generation in areas saturated with destructive magic. Unlike other oozes that primarily consume organic matter, gray oozes are particularly dangerous because of their ability to corrode metal and stone.
These creatures are patient hunters that can remain motionless for hours or even days, waiting for prey to come within striking distance. Gray oozes are drawn to areas with high concentrations of metal, such as armories, treasure vaults, or mining operations, where they can feed on both the metal and any creatures that come to investigate the mysterious corrosion of valuable equipment.
Combat Tactics
Gray oozes are ambush predators that rely on their Amorphous nature and False Appearance to remain undetected until prey is within reach. Their Pseudopod attacks deal acid damage and can corrode nonmagical metal armor and weapons, making them particularly dangerous to heavily armored opponents. This ability forces enemies to adapt their tactics or risk losing their equipment.
The ooze's Corrode Metal ability can destroy weapons and armor on contact, potentially leaving opponents defenseless. Gray oozes are intelligent enough to target the most heavily armored opponents first, knowing that destroying their protection makes them easier prey. They can squeeze through incredibly small spaces, allowing them to escape or pursue enemies through areas that seem impassable.
Encounter Ideas
The Armory Incident: A gray ooze has infiltrated a military armory, systematically dissolving weapons and armor while remaining undetected. The party must track down and eliminate the creature before it destroys the entire stockpile of equipment.
Treasure Vault Terror: A gray ooze has been living in an ancient treasure vault, slowly consuming the metal coins and artifacts stored there. The party discovers the vault but must deal with the ooze to claim any remaining treasure.
The Alchemist's Mistake: A gray ooze was accidentally created during an alchemical experiment and has escaped into the city's sewer system. It's now threatening the infrastructure by corroding pipes and support structures, and the party must stop it before it causes a catastrophic collapse.
Mining Menace: Miners have been finding their tools and equipment mysteriously corroded, and investigation reveals a gray ooze has taken up residence in the mine shafts. The party must eliminate the threat without causing cave-ins or damaging the valuable ore deposits.
Environmental Effects
Gray oozes leave distinctive signs of their presence through their corrosive nature. Metal objects in their territory show signs of acid damage, with pitting, discoloration, and eventual dissolution. Stone surfaces may be etched or weakened, while water sources become acidic and unsafe to drink.
Air quality in areas inhabited by gray oozes often becomes poor due to acidic vapors, causing respiratory irritation in living creatures. Plant life may wither and die from acid exposure, creating barren patches in otherwise healthy ecosystems.
Treasure
Gray oozes inadvertently create treasure through their feeding habits, as they cannot digest precious gems, magical items, or certain rare metals. Gems and jewelry may be found within the ooze's body, often partially dissolved but still valuable. Magical weapons and armor that resist acid damage remain intact and can be recovered.
Rare metals that are immune to the ooze's acid, such as mithril or adamantine, accumulate in their lairs over time. Coins made from precious metals may survive partial dissolution, creating unique and valuable collector's items.
Plot Hooks
The Spreading Corrosion: Multiple gray oozes have appeared throughout a city, systematically destroying metal infrastructure and threatening to bring down buildings and bridges. The party must discover the source of this coordinated attack and stop it before the city collapses.
The Collector's Dilemma: A wealthy collector's prized metal artifacts are being mysteriously destroyed by a gray ooze that has somehow infiltrated his secure vault. The party must eliminate the creature while preserving the remaining collection and determining how it gained access.
Industrial Sabotage: Gray oozes are being used as weapons of economic warfare, released into competitors' facilities to destroy equipment and halt production. The party must uncover this conspiracy and stop the perpetrators before entire industries are devastated.
The Acid Rain: A magical catastrophe has caused gray oozes to rain from the sky during storms, creating widespread destruction and panic. The party must find the source of this phenomenon and restore the natural order before the realm is consumed by corrosive chaos.